How The Toyota Tacoma Grew From Japanese Oddity To All American

Toyota's new 1969 HiLux wasn't exotic in any way, but it was smaller than the Stout, significantly more refined and much more comfortable. Available only in standard cab form with a short cargo box, the HiLux was compact enough that the Stout's 1.9

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Mullah Mohammad Omar, the spiritual leader of the Afghan Taliban, is no more. The disclosure that he died in 2013 has revealed a serious rift in Taliban ranks, which has been in the making for some time. Now peace in the war-torn nation hinges on whether the key Afghan insurgent group remains intact or falls apart in the days to come. The reported division in the ranks of the Afghan Taliban is not unusual, as the fatigue of a long war often produces rival factions from within the same insurgent movement. In the case of the Taliban, the chasm is essentially between the old lot of leaders who have lived mostly outside Afghanistan since 2001 and are willing to reconcile, and a new generation of military commanders who have fought in the country... In a sense, the Afghan Taliban has indeed come of age since its rapid emergence on the battle scene over 20 years ago. Back then, it was a unified movement led by a charismatic leader – a reclusive figure who had lost right eye in the Afghan jihad against the Soviets. That is how the news about this new Afghan movement generated interest in Pakistani media at the time. Source: scroll.in

British TV and radio personality Chris Evans, with his distinctive red hair and thick-rimmed glasses, will replace Jeremy Clarkson as lead presenter of a new "Top Gear" line-up, the BBC announced Tuesday. The 49-year-old Evans, a veteran TV and radio personality with a long history of working with the BBC, has had his share of controversy, but his high-octane personality and love of cars makes him a natural choice for replacing Clarkson. New host: "Cheeky" and "unpredictable" "I am so delighted that Chris will be presenting the next series of Top Gear. His knowledge of and passion for cars are well-known and combined with his sheer inventiveness and cheeky unpredictability he is the perfect choice to take our much-loved show into the future," Kim Shillinglaw, controller of BBC Two and BBC Four,... Evans came to fame in the UK in 1992, with morning TV show "The Big Breakfast" on Channel 4 -- a hyperactive, ramshackle mishmash of games, witty back-and-forth and phone-ins, after making a name for himself on London radio. Evans enjoyed years of fame and notoriety as the host of the Big Breakfast and a host of subsequent light entertainment shows, including "TFI Friday," another breathless format involving bands, celebrities, outlandish stunts and in-jokes. Source: www.cnn.com

The Toyota Hilux (also stylized as HiLux and historically as Hi-Lux) is a series of compact pickup trucks produced and marketed by the Japanese manufacturer Toyota. Most countries used the Hilux name for the entire life of the series but in North America, the Hilux name was retired in 1976 in favor of Truck, Pickup Truck, or Compact Truck. In North America the popular option package, the SR5 (Sport Rally 5-Speed), was colloquially used as a model name for the truck, even though the option package was also used on other Toyota models like the Corolla. In 1984, the Toyota Trekker, the camper version of the Hilux, was renamed as the 4Runner in Australia and North America, and as the Hilux Surf in Japan. In 1995, Toyota introduced a new pickup model, the Tacoma in North America, discontinuing the Hilux/Pickup there. The 4Runner is now a full SUV, and the more recent models do not resemble the Tacoma.

As of 2014, the Toyota Hilux is available worldwide, except Japan, United States, Canada, North Korea, and South Korea.

The Hilux started production in March 1968[2] as the RN10 in short-wheelbase form with a 1.5 L engine, producing 77 PS (57 kW) in Japanese market spec, and in Japan it was available at Toyota Japan dealership retail chains called Toyota Store and Toyopet Store. The modification to the engine was enough for a claimed 130 kilometres per hour (81 mph) top speed.[3] This was upgraded to a 1.6 L inline-four engine in February 1971.

In April 1969, a long-wheelbase version was added to the range. The short-wheelbase version also continued in production for many more years. The long-wheelbase version was not sold on the North American market until 1972. The Hilux was offered as an alternative to the Toyota Crown, Toyota Corona, and Toyota Corona Mark II based pickup trucks in Japan, as the Crown, Corona, and Corona Mark II were repositioned as passenger sedans.

In spite of the name "Hilux", it was a luxury vehicle only when compared to the Stout. The Hilux was engineered and assembled by Hino Motors to replace the earlier vehicle that the Hilux was derived from, called the Briska[4] in the niche beneath the larger and older Stout – it replaced the Stout fully in some markets. For the North American market, the only body style was a regular cab short bed and all were rear-wheel drive. It used a typical truck setup of A-arms and coil springs in front and a live axle with leaf springs in back. A four-speed manual transmission was standard.

In May 1972,[2] the 1973 model year Hilux was released as the RN20. Nicknamed the "ロケハイ (RokeHi) a Portmanteau of Rocket Hilux", a more comfortable interior was specified along with exterior updates. A 2.25 m (7.4 ft) "long bed" was an option for the first time in North America, although such a version had been available worldwide since April 1969.[2] This received the "RN25" chassis code.[5] The 2.0 liter 18R engine was available in Japan as well, also with an available three-speed automatic transmission.

The Hilux was radically redesigned in 1975 to be larger and with increased standard equipment. In North America the new version also meant the introduction of the considerably larger (2.2 L) 20R engine and the SR5 upscale trim package. A five-speed manual transmission became optional. In North America, the Hilux name was fully phased out in favor of "Truck" by that year, having been dropped from brochures and advertising starting in 1973.

The redesigned Hilux was introduced in August 1978,[2] with a 4WD variant introduced in Jan 1979.[2] The 4WD variant – not offered with any engines smaller than the two-litre "18R" – featured some common technology with the larger Toyota Land Cruiser.[4] Production of the four-wheel drives stopped in July 1983, but some 2WD variations continued in parallel with the next generation.[2] The L series diesel engine was offered on the 2WD variants from September 1979 and the 4WD variants in March 1983.[2] In Japan, the Hilux was joined with the all new Toyota MasterAce, sharing load carrying duties, and sold at Toyota Store locations alongside the Hilux.

In North America the Hilux saw the use of four-wheel drive. It had a solid front axle and leaf suspension. The body saw a redesign that included single round headlights and a less complex body. This new 4WD setup featured a gear driven RF1A transfer case. This transfer case is unique in that its low-range reduction portion can be replicated, using what some refer to as a dual or triple transfer case. This results in a much lower overall gear ratio.[8] It was the first Hilux available with an automatic transmission.

In 1981 a vehicle development agreement was established between Toyota, Winnebago Industries and two other aftermarket customizers. This was to allow Toyota to enter the SUV market in North America. The vehicles which resulted from this collaboration were the Trekker (Winnebago), Wolverine, and the Trailblazer (Griffith). All three used the Hilux 4×4 RV cab and chassis, and an all-fiberglass rear section (the Trailblazer had a steel bed with a fiberglass top). There were at least 1,500 Trekkers, 400 Trailblazers and an unknown number of Wolverines sold in North America. Research and development work on the Trekker led to the development of the 4Runner/Hilux Surf, which was released in 1984.

Toward the end of the SR5's production run (1983½ model year), Toyota introduced the luxury Mojave for the US market as a limited-production (3,500 units) model with options not available on any other Toyota pickup.[9] List priced at US$8,308,[9] it featured bucket seats, two-speaker multiplex radio, chrome front and rear bumpers, and no Toyota logo on either the grille or tailgate.[9]Cruise control, power steering, and air conditioning were optional.[9] It was powered by the SR5's standard 2.4 L (150 cu in) inline four.[9]

The August 1983 redesign (sold as model year 1984 vehicles in North America) introduced the Xtracab extended cab option, with six inches of space behind the seat for in-cab storage. These "1984" models carried over the carbureted 22R engine while model year 1984 also saw the introduction of the fuel injected 22R-E. Two diesel engines were also offered, the 2L and the turbocharged 2L-T. The diesels were discontinued in the U.S. after the 1986 model year, this was due to higher performance expectations from customers and the wide availability of inexpensive gasoline. The next year saw the introduction of a turbocharged option, the 22R-TE, perhaps due to increasing competition from Nissan who already offered a V6 truck at this time. The solid front axle was swapped out for an independent front suspension/torsion bar setup in the 4×4 model in 1986, and optional automatic differential disconnect for the front differential (an alternative to automatic locking hubs) and an electronic transfer case was added as well. A V6 engine was introduced in 1988. The Hilux-based 4Runner which made its entry in Australia, North America and the United Kingdom was based on this generation Hilux; in some other markets, such as Japan, it was called the Hilux Surf.

Toyota introduced a new generation of the Hilux in most markets in late 1988 but the fourth generation remained in production until 1997 in South Africa. Toyota says this was due to South African "content laws" which made it cheaper to continue to produce the fourth generation Hilux, rather than to retool the plant for the fifth generation.[10]

The next redesign, in 1988, produced a longer-wheelbase option, 3,099 mm (122 in) rather than 2,616 mm (103 in) for the regular wheelbase. Its one-piece cargo-box walls eliminated the rust-prone seams that were found in earlier models. The V6 Xtracab SR5 earned Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year award that year. The Xtracabs now featured more room behind the front seats than the last generation which allowed optional jump-seats for rear passengers, a feature more in line with competitors of the time.

In 1991, American production began at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, California (the VIN on these cars starts with '4T'), however some trucks sold in the United States during the 91–95 model years were still manufactured in Japan (VIN starts with 'JT').

The Hilux received a minor facelift in 1991 (for the 1992 model year), which was a minor grille change and the new Toyota emblem that had been recently adopted.

It was during this generation that Toyota discontinued the Hilux in the United States, replacing it with the new Tacoma in 1995.

Volkswagen built and marketed them under the Volkswagen Taro name from February 1989 to March 1997.

South America

For sales in Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela, the Hilux was produced in Colombia from 1994 to 1998 by the SOFASA company (only equipped with the 2.4 l petrol engine). For sales in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, the Hilux was produced in Argentina from 1997 through 2005 (Zárate Plant – both petrol and diesel engines). For sales in Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Peru, the Hilux was imported from factories in Japan from 1989 to 1997 (petrol and diesel engines).

South American markets:

single cab chassis (2WD, 4WD petrol engines) (Colombia and Ecuador)
single cab long bed (2WD,4WD, petrol and diesel engines) (all South American countries; diesel engine not available in Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela)
xtra cab (2WD, 4WD, petrol) (Only Bolivia)
crew cab (2WD,4WD, petrol and diesel engines)(All South American countries; Diesel engine not available in Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela)

The Hilux was produced in Colombia for sales in Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador from 1998 to 2005 by the SOFASA company (with only petrol engines 2.7 L). In Venezuela and Ecuador, the single-cab 2WD chassis/long bed is called the Stout II). For sales in Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, it was imported from Japan from 1998 through 2004 (petrol engined 2.7 L, and diesel engined 2.8 L). This model was not sold in Argentina or Brazil because the fifth generation Hilux had received a redesign and upgrade.

Toyota shifted production from the Hilux Mighty-X (fifth generation) to the Hilux Tiger (sixth generation) in the late 1990s and made it the global export hub. The Thailand-made Hilux Tiger went through the following versions:

In 2005, Toyota ceased production of the Hilux truck for the Japanese market. This was the last generation Hilux to be available (or built) in Japan.

Pickup 4WD Wide Extra cab Sports 2.7 L (RZN174H, Japan)

Pickup 4WD Wide Extra cab Sports 2.7 L (RZN174H, Japan

1997–2001 Toyota Hilux (RZN149R) 2-door utility, Australia

2001–2004 (before change to single glass in front doors)(RZN149R, Australia)

2002–2005 Toyota Hilux SR5 4-door utility(VZN167R, Australia)

Post faceliftPickup 4WD Wide Double cab Sports 2.7 (RZN169H, Japan)

Hilux Sport Rider

Toyota introduced a mid-size SUV variant of the Hilux in 1998 for a select few markets, known as the Hilux Sport Rider. The Sport Rider is a rare model, sold in a select few Asian markets, including Thailand and Nepal. Based on the Hilux, both in style and underpinnings, it is similar in concept to the Toyota 4Runner—however, the Sport Rider is not a rebadged 4Runner. The Sport Rider frame and suspensions are derived from the Hilux, including the Hilux's independent front suspension and leaf-sprung rear. The model started out as the four-door pickup truck, but were modified into wagons on arrival in Thailand by Thai Auto Works Co, a majority Thai-owned company in which Toyota has a 20 percent stake. The vehicles were distributed by Toyota Tsusho Thailand, the importer of Toyota forklifts.

The Sport Rider arrived in 1998 with the 5L engine for Prerunner (2WD) and 5L-E for 4WD, later 1KZ-TE for 4WD only arrived in 2001 and foglamp built in front bumper, and 2002 new engines arrived—the 1KD-FTV and 2KD-FTV with new front bumper, new front lamp is projector, and new rear lamp. Toyota discontinued the Sport Rider in 2004, replaced in 2005 with the Toyota Fortuner.

Following the February 2004 introduction of the 2005 model year Tacoma, the 7th generation Hilux was unveiled on March 2, 2005 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Market launch later began in April 2005. The Tacoma was based on the 4Runner chassis, while the Hilux rides on an revamped version of the ladder frame found on previous versions. The Hilux increased in size and then became classified as a mid-size pick up. The Tacoma had a new 4.0 L V6 engine that produces 176 kW (236 hp) and 361 N·m (266 lb·ft) of torque. Its design was very similar to the 4Runner.[16]

Hilux models sold in Australian, Middle Eastern, and Asian markets are built and assembled in Thailand, where the vehicle is called the Hilux Vigo, or simply Vigo. For the European and South African markets the Hilux is built in Durban, South Africa. As of December 2009, it is the best selling vehicle in South Africa. Those sold in South America are made in Argentina, as with the previous generation Hilux.[17] However, the engines are built in Japan (where they are also used in the Prado) instead of Argentina.[citation needed] In Asia, the Hilux Vigo platform was used as the basis for Toyota's IMV program which spawned the Innova MPV and Fortuner SUV/PPV.

In Malaysia, the Hilux is only available in 2.5 L with the option of single cab or double cab.[citation needed] The double cab model has an automatic transmission variant. It uses the same engine as other Asian countries (in-line, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC Turbo Diesel with common rail direct injection), however engines used in Malaysia differ in their maximum output of 75 kW (101 hp) at 3600 rpm and maximum torque of 260 N·m (192 lbf·ft) at 1600–2400 rpm.

In Singapore, the Hilux is available as a single cab with the 2.5 L engine or a double cab with the 3.0 L engine. Notable fleet customers include private taxi operators, for whom the double cab model offers additional load space versatility, and the Singapore Police Force and Pakistan Police, which employs it as a patrol vehicle.

The Hilux will be built in Guangqi Toyota Automobile in Guangzhou for the Chinese market. The models for China will be 4.0 L with the option of single cab or double cab. It uses the same engine as Australia (V6, 24-valve, DOHC), however engines used in China has been tuned up to the maximum output of 246 kW (330 hp) at 6500 rpm and maximum torque of 405 N·m (299 lbf·ft) at 4000 rpm, and is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. China is the only Asian country to get the V6 engine.

Two Hilux pickups were entered in recent years of the Dakar Rally by the Imperial Toyota team of South Africa. Driver Giniel de Villiers achieved third place in 2012, second place overall in 2013, 4th in 2014, and again second place in 2015. These however, were heavily modified non-production versions built around a custom racing-only tubular chassis and using a larger capacity Toyota V8 engine.[18]

A facelifted version of the Hilux was unveiled by Toyota's Malaysian distributors, UMW Toyota Motor, in August 2008. Toyota has released a left hand drive facelifted Hilux Vigo in August 2008 while a right hand drive facelifted model is expected to be released in September 2008.[20] These facelifted models were introduced to the Philippines in October 2008.

Toyota also introduced a rear access system called "Smart Cab" to replace all Xtra Cab models in E and G grade. The Smart Cab models are only for the Thailand domestic market.[citation needed]

2011 facelift

On 13 July 2011, Toyota announced that the Hilux would receive an upgrade, including a redesigned front end and other external styling changes, changes to the interior and a new turbocharged diesel engine capable of 106 kW (142 hp) and 343 N·m (253 lb·ft) of torque, as well as lower fuel consumption compared to the previous model.[21] This update was initially launched in Thailand.[22]

The Thailand version of 2012 Toyota Hilux Vigo "Champ" is a significant "minor" change with a new front look and a revamped interior to reinforce perceived luxuriousness. The front is redesigned from the A pillar forwards. With the exception of doors, roofs and tailgates, everything else is new: new guards, new headlights, new bumper, new bonnet, new three-bar grille, new taillights, a new rear bumper, new models badge and other. There are also new mirrors and new alloy wheel designs. The interior features a new upper dashboard design with a new horizontal centre instrument cluster. Perceived quality has been improved through the adoption of uniformly darker finishes with greater colour consistency throughout the interior. The high-end Double Cab version now comes with a DVD player, rear camera and Bluetooth functionality.[23]

TRD Hilux (GGN25R) 4000SL 4-door utility (Australia)

Xtra Cab

Toyota Hilux (KUN26R) SR5 4-door utility (Australia; pre-facelift)

2009 Single cab

Toyota Hilux (GGN15R) SR 4-door utility (Australia; 2008 facelift)

2011 facelift

2013 model update

In August 2012, Toyota updated Toyota Hilux Vigo "Champ" in Thailand to 2013 model. This minor update upgraded emission standard to Euro-4, updated 4-speed automatic transmission to 5-speed transmission, upgraded performance of 3000 cc Vigo from 163HP to 171HP and upped torque from 343Nm to 360Nm; and Prerunner 4x2 was introduced in Auto. Other changes included more efficient fuel injection system and addition of center headrest on rear double cab seat.[24]

The eighth generation Toyota Hilux was officially released simultaneously on 21 May 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand and Sydney, Australia.[25] The Thai and Lao market also adopted a new name, Toyota Hilux Revo. The Hilux uses the "Keen Look" design language that has already been used in the Toyota Corolla (E170) with slim projector headlights and LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights). This design continues into the interior with similar AC vent and center fascia design. This generation features Toyota's first autonomous emergency braking (AEB).[26] New ESTEC GD 2.4-litre, 2.8-litre and KD 2.5 litre, 3.0 litre diesel engines, shared with the Fortuner and Innova, were combined with a five- or six-speed manual transmission or a five- or six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift.[27] The 2.8-litre GD engine was introduced in May 2015 at the 36th International Vienna Motor Symposium.[28] The 2.7- and 4.0-litre petrol engines from the previous generation will be reused with some updates to increase power and torque. However, the car would hit the showrooms in October, 5 months after its official release.[29][30]

The Hilux has gained a reputation for exceptional sturdiness and reliability during sustained heavy use or even abuse, and has been referred to as "The Indestructible Truck"[citation needed]. This was further reinforced on the BBC motoring show Top Gear, when a 1988 diesel Hilux with 305,775 km (190,000 mi) on the odometer was subjected to extraordinary abuse (in series 3, episodes 5 and 6). This consisted of driving it down a flight of steps, scraping buildings, crashing headlong into a tree, being washed out to sea, and being submerged in sea water for four hours, driving it through a garden shed, dropping a caravan onto it, hitting it with a wrecking ball, setting its cabin and bed area on fire,[31] and, finally, placing it on top of a 73 m (240 ft) block of apartments that was next destroyed by a building implosion.[32] Although it was now suffering from severe structural damage, the truck was still running after being repaired without spare parts, and with only typical tools that would be found in a truck's toolbox, such as screwdrivers, motor oil, and an adjustable wrench.[33] The Hilux rested as one of the background decorations in the Top Gear studio.

In the TV series of 2006, (series 8, episode 3), a Hilux was chosen by Jeremy Clarkson as his platform for creating an amphibious vehicle. With assistance, Clarkson rigged the truck with a massive outboard motor, and steering mechanism in the pickup bed. The truck, redubbed the "Toybota", was driven by Clarkson over several miles by road and 3.2 km (2 mi) across open water, before capsizing (three metres away from the finish) during a quick turn. Once recovered, the vehicle was moved back to the Top Gear Studio, where a confident Clarkson stated that he would be the only one capable of driving his truck home, since it was the indestructible Hilux. Clarkson had finally destroyed the "indestructible" after he could not get the Hilux started. When Clarkson turned the engine over, it produced a puffing and hissing sound as though the injectors or the heater plugs had been removed.

In 2007, Top Gear ran a special program in which Clarkson and James May raced a customized 2005 model Hilux to the magnetic north pole from Northern Canada against Richard Hammond using a dog sled, and won. This episode, known as the Top Gear Polar Special, made the truck the first motor vehicle to make it to the magnetic north pole. The Hilux used was slightly modified: larger wheels and thicker tyres were installed, a thick sump guard was installed, the front suspension was moved forward, a gun mount was installed, some powerful front lights were installed (although they were not needed, as it was still polar daytime at 23:30) and a toilet seat (first introduced as a joke Christmas present idea in Series 3 Episode 6 which also featured the Hilux challenge) was mounted on the rear bumper.

In 2010, the Top Gear host James May drove a modified Hilux, one which had served as the camera crew's vehicle during the 2007 polar special, to approach the summit of an erupting Icelandic volcano (Eyjafjallajökull) and retrieved a fragment of volcanic lava. The Hilux was modified for this task by the installation of a simple metal "umbrella" and alcohol cooling drips for its tyres (Series 15, Episode 1).

Outside of TV programs, these vehicles have been known to exceed 482,803 km (300,000 mi) with regular maintenance.[citation needed] It is also notorious for being used as an improvised fighting vehicle – a "technical" – by militias and irregular military forces, especially in Third World conflicts.[34] The 1980s Toyota War between Libya and Chad was so named because of the heavy use of Hilux trucks as light cavalry vehicles.[35]

In October 2007, the Swedish auto magazine Teknikens Värld performed an evasive manoeuvre (a moose test) that revealed that the manoeuvrability of Hilux pickup truck was deficient for turning sharply at moderate speeds. The truck failed the test and only the driver's skill prevented it from overturning. After the test Toyota stopped the sales of Hilux equipped with 16" wheels in Europe.

A world record was achieved by the support crew for the participants in the 2008/2009 Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race. The crew travelled in specially adapted Toyota Hilux's modified by Arctic Trucks, completing a trip of over 5,000 km (3,100 mi) from Novo, a Russian Scientific Station in Antarctica to the Geographic South Pole and back again, making them the first 4×4s to reach the South Pole. The return journey of 2,500 km (1,600 mi) from the South Pole to Novo Station was completed in a record 8 days and 17 hours.

A team of professional drivers use Toyota Hiluxes for a precision driving show throughout Australia. The Toyota Hilux Heroes began in 2007 and have been entertaining millions of spectators at various agricultural shows and motor sport events. The Hilux's are 2007 petrol V6, 4×2 models and have custom shock absorbers, a custom exhaust, sports seat, racing harnesses, a roll cage and 16 inch alloy wheels fitted. Performance highlights include high speed drifting, close formation driving, cross overs(where the cars race towards one another at speed), a 12-metre ramp jump and balancing a Hilux on two wheels all choreographed into a 15-minute show.

A fourth generation Hilux is also the vehicle mode for the Transformers Autobots Trailbreaker and Hoist.

The heavily damaged, but still working, Top Gear Hilux perched on its plinth

Jeremy Clarkson's Hilux Boat, redubbed the "Toybota"

Ambulance car with Red Crescent emblem in Neyshabour, Iran.

Toyota Hilux in the Sahel in Mauritania

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Not Bad — PERFORMANCE - slow, braking is good, handling is good BUILD QUALITY - pretty good APPEARANCE - not bad inside and out COSTS OF OWNERSHIP- expensive compared to ford and holdens, but good on fuel FUN FACTOR - offroad? Bloody good, but slow FUN TO DRIVE? - no